Is your pool looking shabby and worn out? Every year, Australian pool owners find themselves at the same crossroads, with their pool either needing a facelift or urgent repairs. Maybe the appearance of the tiles and the overall aesthetic look of the pool are outdated or the ongoing costs of maintaining the pool are continually increasing. You begin to contemplate having your pool renovated, and the nerve-racking question that arises is, “What will this cost?”
The reality is that the cost of a pool renovation is not a single scary number; there are clear categories upon which the type and extent of work needed are assessed, and therefore, each type has a different price point.
Australian Pool Renovation Cost Ranges
There are typically three cost categories that pool renovations fall within.
Simple Minor Repairs
Examples of this include crack restoration, pump replacement or minor plumbing repairs. Costs usually lie between $500-$3,000. These repairs serve to keep the pool operational but won’t do much for its aesthetic appeal.
Mid-Range Renovation
Most pool owners are probably in this range. Mid-range renovations include resurfacing, tile replacement, coping, and upgrading the swimming pool equipment. Depending on the selection of finish, type, and size of the swimming pool, prices will typically range between $6,000-$15,000+.
Full Renovation and Full Rebuild
Once you start making changes/replacements to the structure, configuration, and design of your pool, the costs are likely to go up quickly. Full renovations typically start at $25,000 and can easily reach $40,000+ if numerous major components have been replaced.
Resurfacing is Often the Biggest Expense
Resurfacing your concrete pool, along with replacing your swimming pool filter, is often one of the top three line items on any pool renovation estimate. Affects comfort, looks, and how long the pool will last. A few typical resurfacing choices are:
Pebblecrete
Very durable and long-lasting, but more rigid to walk on than other options. Resurfacing typically costs $8,000-$12,000 for a standard-size pool.
Quartz or Bead Finishes
More refined and smoother than pebblecrete and trendier for new pool builds. Resurfacing is expected to cost between $12,000-$18,000.
Fully Tiled Pools
Generally considered a top-of-the-line finish with a lot of durability. Completed resurfacing is generally $30,000+.
Additional Costs Beyond Surfacing
There is much more to resurfacing than the finishing material itself.
Edge Coping and Pool Coping
Replacing conventional edge coping or edging typically costs between $150 and $250+ per linear metre and is often an additional expense of $5,000 or more.
Waterline Tiles
Waterline tiles provide added protection to the shell and help to reduce staining. Replacing waterline tiles typically costs between $2,000-$4,000.
Structural Repairs
Structural repairs, such as cracking or leaking, must occur before cosmetic repairs can be made. Costs associated with structural repairs can vary significantly and could affect the final total of the project substantially.
Difference between Concrete, Plungie and Fibreglass Pools
Your pool type will play a significant role in determining how much the renovation will cost. Replacement options for concrete pools are much more flexible. You can resurface, retile, reshape, or structurally modify your concrete pool in many ways. The flexibility inherent to concrete renovation does come with a higher cost but enables a far greater degree of design freedom.
Fibreglass pools have their own set of circumstances. Fibreglass pools have been made in a factory and are typically easier to maintain, as they will have been coated with a gel coat, requiring less maintenance than resurfacing. However, even fibreglass pools are susceptible to age-related damage, so applying a gel coat on an older precast pool is very common to restore its original colour and waterproofing properties and costs an average of $120-$180 per square metre.
Plungie pools are a step in between traditional concrete construction, with all the benefits of a concrete shell but a finished pool surface from a controlled factory, making them easy to maintain. Renovation options for precast concrete pools vary greatly based on the pool’s condition at the time of renovation and the style in which they are installed.
One of the most important steps prior to renovating your pool is determining if your pool actually is concrete, fibreglass, or plungie. By knowing which type of pool you own early in the renovation process, you avoid the potential for mismatched expectations and wasted quotes.
Renovating Your Pool: How to Upgrade Your Swimming Experience
Even if your pool works efficiently, it doesn’t mean you can’t make improvements. Many pool owners are upgrading the operation of their pools as part of their renovations; common energy-saving upgrades include:
- Energy-efficient pumps
- Heaters
- Filtration systems
- LED Lighting
- Automation and smart controls
Most upgrades for this type of equipment total between $2,500-$5,000.
Surprise Costs That Can Crop Up During Pool Renovations
Some surprise costs can sneak up on pool owners if they don’t plan for them. Common costs that come up late in the renovation process are:
- Certification or upgrades to pool fencing
- Repairs to landscaping
- Refilling your pool’s water typically costs $200-$500+
- City permits for structural renovations
All of these costs must be paid and can add up quickly.
Dynamic Pool Designs’ Pool Renovations Services
The biggest difference between a successful renovation and a stressful renovation is the process. When Dynamic Pool Designs approaches a renovation, they begin with understanding the pool, its history, and how it is being used. The majority of renovations performed by Dynamic Pool Designs are typically under one of two categories:
Substantial renovation and rebuild
- Total resurfacing or re-tile
- Structural repairs and rebuilding the pool shell
- Replacement of the coping and pool edge
- Plumbing and equipment upgrades
- Adding lighting and other modern features
Minor renovations and fixer-upper
- Resurfacing and patching the pool surfaces
- Repairing tiles, waterlines, and other swimming pool parts
- Upgrading filtration systems and pumps
- Making cosmetic improvements without resurfacing the pool surface
Obtaining a Good Quote for Your Pool Renovation
When looking for a builder to do your pool remodel, you want to speak with at least three builders and ask the same type of questions. You should be aware of:
- What is included in your preparation work
- What type of warranty is available for the work performed and for the labour
- What are the builder’s licensing, insurance, and local experience
- A good quote will tell you what the job will entail and not just the price.
Reasons Why Pool Owners Choose Dynamic Pool Designs to Renovate Their Pools
Renovating a swimming pool is a big decision. You want to ensure that it is done well the first time, and the end result will last a long time. Dynamic Pool Designs has built its reputation over many years of hands-on experience in the field of pool construction, renovation, and upgrades. Dynamic Pool Designs has considerable knowledge of major renovations and practical, minor renovations, which provides them with the confidence to provide the correct advice when planning your renovation.
Whether your swimming pool needs a full redesign or a more economical remodel with all of the features of a brand new pool, their team will be able to provide you with the support and confidence needed to make the right choice based on your needs and budget. Dynamic Pool Designs is the partner that you need to start using your swimming pool again, contact us today!